173 Helias Catholic grads told to give thanks with their lives
Graduating seniors discuss the journey, hopes for the future
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Life can be difficult, but what about those times when everything seems to be going just right?
Sister Jean Dietrich of the School Sisters of Notre Dame found the answer in a Tim McGraw song:
“When those dreams you’re dreaming come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind.”
“No matter how successful you become or how much you achieve, remember where you came from and the people who helped you get there,” Sr. Jean told the 173 members of Helias Catholic High School’s Class of 2023.
“Be grateful for every opportunity that comes your way and always be willing to learn from others,” she said. “These simple yet powerful values will serve you well as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Sr. Jean, who retired from full-time administration and teaching after 40 years at Helias Catholic, gave the commencement address at this year’s graduation ceremony on May 21 at Ray Hentges Stadium in the Crusader Athletic Complex.
One hundred seventy-three graduating seniors accepted their diplomas from Bishop W. Shawn McKnight and Erin Vader Ed.D., diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools.
Among them were 15 students with a 4.0 grade point average, eight Bright Flight scholars, 60 students who qualified to receive A+ scholarships, and one committed to service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Every little bit”
Also joining Sr. Jean on the platform were: Spencer Allen, principal; Emma Williams, assistant principal; Dwayne Clingman, assistant principal and activities director; and Father Louis Nelen, pastor of Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson City.
“Graduates, as you head into your exciting future, you continue to represent the shield,” said Mr. Allen, referring to the Helias Catholic emblem.
“You also go out into the world as ambassadors of Christ,” he stated. “Live lives of gratitude for your gifts and talents. Cultivate what you have received from God. Continue to find ways to learn and grow. You’ve received gifts in abundance, so share them with others out of love and justice.
“And finally, remembering that all that we have comes from God, return those gifts to him with increase by pursing holiness and being active members of your parish communities,” he said.
Sr. Jean focused not on everything God has given the Class of 2023 but instead on how to put those gifts to work.
“You have been blessed beyond measure,” she told the graduating seniors. “Be grateful for the people in your life, your family, friends and all who have helped you get to this point; for the experiences you’ve had, and for the opportunities that lie ahead. Embrace every moment and never take anything for granted.”
She noted that the world can be a tough and unforgiving place, “but that doesn’t mean you have to be.”
“Whether it’s a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand, every little bit counts,” she said. “And remember, kindness is contagious. When you show kindness to others are inspired to do the same.”
“Proud moment”
Mr. Allen reminded the graduating seniors that they are surrounded by people who have partnered in support of their high school formation as emerging scholars and saints.
“There is so much vision, talent and discipleship among you that it is a privilege to be among you,” he said.
Lily Winegar, one of the two Father Helias Award recipients — awarded for outstanding contributions during her time at Helias Catholic — led the opening prayer, praising and thanking God for the many blessings he has given.
“Help all of the Class of 2023 to remember that we are created in your image and likeness and called to be saints who serve you and our neighbor,” she prayed.
“We ask you to accompany us as we face new adventures and challenges. May the paths we take always lead to you and to the eternal joy that is ours through your Son.”
Fellow Father Helias Award recipient Jack Klebba proclaimed a reading from 1 Timothy, in which St. Paul admonishes his young friend to “train yourself to be godly” and “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
2022-23 Student Council President Jonah Lanigan marveled at how memorable the past four years had been.
“As we go forward, it is important to be grateful to Helias for what we have been given to us in our education and our faith,” he said. “Helias has given us the tools to be successful wherever we end up in life.
“Let us be excited for the future, but not forget the memories and bonds we have all made with one another in these four years as high school students,” he said.
The bishop offered a prayer for the Class of 2023.
“Pour out the gifts of your Holy Spirit upon these new graduates,” he prayed. “Through hard work, study, service and discipline, they have become young adults, ready to take on the world. May their witness of our Catholic faith shine the brightest when they fearlessly take up the cause for those who are most vulnerable, most defenseless and most in need.”
Impressive accomplishments
This year’s graduates have been offered a combined more than $4 million in scholarships.
Five received the John Baptist De La Salle Service Award for contributing 500 or more hours of service over their high school years: Danielle Buker, Joseph Oliveras, Kaitlyn Palmer, Kambria Quinn and Landrey VanOverschelde.
Eleven received the Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger Award for contributing 100 or more service hours in the 2022-23: Danielle Buker, Antonniah Douglas, Lauren Gassen, Bridget Hollingsworth, Emma Komoroski, Joseph Oliveras, Kaitlyn Palmer, Kambria Quinn, Isaac Rackers, Landrey VanOverschelde and Alyssa Wobbe.
Sarah Case, Patrick Conley, Victoria Hentges, Aiden Hoeme, Leah Kolb, Miranda Kolb, Trevor Kolb, Avery Massman, Joseph Raley, Jacob Rembecki, Brooke Reutter, Tori Schmidt, Camryn Strope, Abigail Tesreau and Kadence Wynn were honored as co-valedictorians.
Trevor Kolb and Tori Schmidt received the American Legion Citation, recognizing leadership, scholarship and service.
Jonah Lanigan and Faith Ann Meyer received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award, recognizing citizenship, scholarship and good attendance.
Ongoing conversion
Graduating seniors Korbin Fisher, Jack Klebba, Hannah Luetkemeyer and Lily Winegar took part in an informal discussion about what Helias Catholic has meant to them and how they’ve changed in the past four years.
“I’m definitely going to miss the teachers here at Helias,” said Hannah. “I’ve made a lot of relationships and connections here through my classes and it’s helped me a lot.”
“I feel like everyone here is kind of family,” said Korbin. “Everyone is connected in some way and everyone’s nice to each other. It’s always been a good time. I’ve never wanted to leave Helias.”
“I think I’m going to miss the experiences most,” said Lily. “With school dances and football games and all the other things we do, we’ve been able to grow closer with each other through the year. I’m going miss those.”
“For me,” said Jack, “it’s the sense of community here. I feel like we’re a good community of Christians. We’re offered the opportunity of Mass and there’s reconciliation and just a sense of closeness.”
Korbin said her faith wasn’t a priority for her when she arrived at Helias Catholic four years ago.
“Here, they offer God’s love to you, and you choose whether or not to accept it,” she said. “One week, I accepted God and found out about chances to live out the faith here and do good things for others.”
Jack went to several weekday Masses in the chapel before school as part of the freshman religion curriculum.
“I could see that there’s a lot more going on at Mass than just some words out of the book,” he said. “Since then, I’ve come to see my Catholic faith not as something I do but as something I want to be for the rest of my life.”
Lily arrived at Helias Catholic with a faith that felt more forced than chosen.
“But this past year and this past semester, things have dawned on me, and I think about things and about how important my faith has always been,” she said.
She wants to continue mending and growing in her relationship with God.
Hannah said she arrived at Helias Catholic with skewed priorities.
“School and activities were more important to me than my faith,” she said.
She got involved with Young Life and volunteered to assist at Capernaum Camps for children with special needs.
All of this helped her connect with God’s presence all around her at school.
“It makes me feel warm and comfortable to have such a strong faith life and be around these teachers and other students who want to be involved in my life as well,” she said.
“Find the beauty”
Jack plans to study attend at the University of Dayton in Ohio in the fall.
Korbin plans to study business and play football at Truman State University in Kirksville. He hopes to work an internship in medial sales next summer.
Lily plans to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and spend some time traveling afterward.
Hannah plans to study physical or occupational therapy and play volleyball at Westminster College in Fulton. She hopes eventually to become a physician’s assistant and work with children.
The group talked about being thankful for their families, classmates, teachers, the good fortune they’ve had, and all the people who support the school.
“Basically, everything that I’ve been given,” said Hannah.
“It’s super important to be thankful for everything,” said Lily, adding that she plans to continue writing five things she’s grateful for in a prayer journal each day.
“It’s a beautiful world. You’ve got to find the beauty,” she said.
Korbin said one of the most important lessons he’s learned at Helias is to be kind to other people.
“In this world, it’s all about connections,” he said.
“You never know what people are going through,” Lily added. “Someone could be going through the worst day of their life. Being kind gets you so far.”
“It’s also fun,” said Hannah. “It makes you happy.”
Hannah said that if she could go back and talk to her freshman self, she would tell her to “have more fun” and “go out and experience something.”
Lily would remind herself that “it doesn’t last.”
“Don’t stress about everything too much,” she said. “These are some high school memories you’re meant to have. If you spend too much time stressing about certain things, you’re going to miss out.”
Jack would tell himself to “stand your ground and don’t let anyone influence you in a way that you wouldn’t want to act in front of your parents.”
All four said they want to remain Catholic.
They asked for prayers for success in their endeavors, for lives lived to the fullest, for perseverance to overcome temptations and struggles, and for God to open everyone’s hearts to accepting the faith.
“It’s a bittersweet departure,” said Jack. “We have a lot to look forward to.”
“I feel like I’m ready to take on the next part of my life with this chapter closing up,” said Lily.
The updated version of this article includes a correction to the John Baptist De La Salle Service Award and Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger Award recipients.
